Veiled Chameleon Care Guide

LIFE SPAN

3-8 years. Males live much longer than females

AVERAGE SIZE

Females – up to 14 inches

Males – up to 24 inches

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Chameleons are generally docile and intelligent lizards, but do not enjoy being handled – it is very stressful for them. They are solitary lizards that can easily become stressed if housed with other animals, including other Veiled Chameleons. Never keep two males together, since they will invariably fight. Females should also be separated from one another and from males.

CAGE TEMPERATURE

Day Temps: 80-85°F

Basking: 90-95°F

Night Temps: 70-75°F

HUMIDITY

80% humidity levels

FEEDING

It is important to offer a variety of greens and insects to provide a balanced and complete diet for your chameleon. Protein sources such as gut loaded crickets, feeder worms and roaches are all excellent options. Plant based options range from hibiscus to romaine lettuce. In general offer dark leafy vegetables.

SUPPLEMENTS

 Dust foods with calcium and vitamin supplements as recommended by your veterinarian. As a general rule juvenile animals require less calcium and supplements as adults. 

WATER

A large bowl of clean fresh chlorine-free water must always be available. Chameleons don’t seem to recognize standing water as water, so the water source must be “moving.” Most of them drink their water from water droplets on leaves. A daily misting or two with chlorine free water will also be appreciated.

ENCLOSURE SIZE

The enclosure needs to be tall enough for climbing. A Veiled Chameleon needs the cross-ventilation provided by a wire mesh enclosure.

BRANCHES & PLANTS

Veiled Chameleons must be provided with plenty of climbing branches. Provide enough branches to offer sleeping spots, basking spots and perches. Live plants can help increase the humidity in your Chameleon’s enclosure and also offer cover for hiding and security.

UVB LIGHT

Veiled Chameleons MUST be exposed to UVB lighting 8-12 hours a day. This exposure is CRITICAL in allowing the animal to synthesize vitamin D3 and absorb calcium.

DAY/NIGHT CYCLES & HEATING

All reptiles must have distinct day and night periods in their enclosure. Veiled Chameleons need 8-12 hours of daytime and 8-12 hours of nighttime. 

HABITAT MAINTENANCE

Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate, cleaning water bowl thoroughly and wiping glass clean. The entire cage should be cleaned thoroughly at least once every month.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• Terrarium should be a minimum of 4’L x 3’W x 4’H, smaller enclosures are acceptable for babies
• Large dome & appropriately sized heat light
• UVB bulb & housing
• Temperature/humidity gauge
• Coconut fiber substrate or reptile carpeting
• Live terrarium-safe plants
• Live or artificial plants, branches & vines for climbing (reptile-safe)
• Water dripper
• Perch-height feeding dishes
• Live food
• Calcium & vitamin supplements
• Water dechlorinate drops
• Bottle or fogger for misting 

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.